Disney Movies About Moms

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is an Academy Award-winning Japanese animated fantasy-adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows 10-year-old Chihiro, a stubborn girl who is moving to a new town with her parents. On the way, her parents take a wrong turn and end up at a mysterious, abandoned theme park. After exploring the park, Chihiro's parents are turned into pigs, and she is left alone in a world of strange and wondrous creatures. To save her parents, Chihiro must cross into the spirit world and find a way to break the spell her parents are under. To do this, she must work in the bathhouse of the powerful witch Yubaba and find a way to make friends with the other spirits living there. Along the way, she learns important lessons about courage, friendship, and the value of hard work.

From Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, starring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg
Rated G

The Lion King is a 1994 American animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, it is the 32nd Disney animated feature film. The story follows the adventures of Simba, a young lion who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as King of the Pride Lands. However, after Simba's uncle Scar murders Mufasa, Simba is manipulated into thinking he was responsible and flees into exile. After growing up in the oasis of the Hakuna Matata with his friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba is persuaded to return home and reclaim his rightful throne. The film features the voices of Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Rowan Atkinson, Robert Guillaume, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin and Jim Cummings. Featuring original songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, the film was acclaimed by critics, who praised the music and story for their emotional depth. The Lion King was a box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1994 and the highest-grossing animated film at

From Andrew Stanton, starring Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard
Rated G

WALL·E is a 2008 Pixar animated film set in the far future, where a small robot named WALL·E has been left to clean up an abandoned and utterly trashed Earth. In spite of the utter chaos, WALL·E discovers a single living plant, inspiring him to seek out a deeper meaning in his existence. His quest leads him on an adventure across the galaxy where he meets a sleek search robot named EVE, and they embark on a space journey that ultimately changes the fate of mankind. Along the way, WALL·E and EVE must save humanity from an uncertain fate and restore hope for a brighter future.

From John Lasseter, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
Rated G

Toy Story is an animated classic from 1995 about the friendship between a pull-string cowboy doll ("Woody") and a space action figure ("Buzz Lightyear") who come to life and must work together to get back to their owner, a young boy named Andy. Along the way, the duo must outwit their evil rival, the toy-stealing "Sid," and help Woody learn the importance of friendship, loyalty, and self-confidence. With a stellar voice cast and a heartwarming story, Toy Story is a timeless classic that will entertain and delight viewers of all ages.

From Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, starring Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG

Up is a 2009 Pixar animated film written and directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson. The film tells the story of Carl Fredricksen, an old man who decides to fulfill his lifelong dream of traveling to South America. He attaches hundreds of helium balloons to his house and sets off on an adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, Carl meets an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell, and together they embark on a journey of discovery and friendship. During their journey, Carl and Russell encounter talking dogs, colorful characters, and even a rare bird species. Throughout their journey, Carl and Russell learn the true meaning of family, friendship, and adventure.

From Lee Unkrich, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty
Rated G

Toy Story 3 is a 2010 computer-animated comedy film, the third installment in the Toy Story franchise and the sequel to Toy Story 2 (1999). Directed by Lee Unkrich, the film follows the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the toy gang as they are donated to a daycare center after their owner, Andy, departs for college. The toys soon find they must fight off a tyrannical toy bear and his minions, while also trying to survive their new environment. The film features the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, and Ned Beatty, among others. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and grossing over $1 billion in the worldwide box office. It is also the highest-grossing film of the franchise and the second highest-grossing animated film of all time, behind Frozen (2013).

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashûin, Akihiro Miwa
Rated PG

Howl's Moving Castle is a 2004 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Based on the novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, the film tells the story of Sophie, a teenage girl living in a fictional kingdom who is turned into an old woman by a spiteful witch's curse. In order to break the curse, Sophie must seek out the wizard Howl, who lives in a magical castle that constantly moves across the countryside. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters, including a friendly scarecrow, a mysterious fire-demon, and Howl himself. The film follows Sophie's journey as she attempts to break the curse, find true love, and restore peace to the kingdom.

From Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich, starring Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi
Rated G

Monsters, Inc. is a 2001 computer-animated comedy film produced by Pixar and directed by Pete Docter, David Silverman, and Lee Unkrich. Set in the monster world of Monstropolis, it follows the story of two monsters, Sulley and Mike, who work for Monsters, Inc., a large power company that generates energy by scaring children. However, their world is turned upside down when a child, Boo, accidentally follows them back to the monster world. As Sulley and Mike attempt to return Boo to the human world, they discover a conspiracy to use human children to power the monster world, and they must stop a diabolical plan before it's too late. Featuring an all-star cast of voices including John Goodman, Billy Crystal, and Steve Buscemi, Monsters, Inc. is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure that proves that laughter is indeed the best medicine.

From Directors: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, starring Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm
Rated G

Ratatouille is an animated comedy-adventure film released in 2007. Directed by Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava, the movie follows a rat named Remy, who dreams of becoming a great French chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, he find himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely - and certainly unwanted - visitor in the kitchen of a fine French restaurant, Remy’s passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down. With the help of his determined father and a bumbling rat crew, Remy finds himself a unlikely hero in the colony of rats, as well as the reluctant partner of a young kitchen worker at Gusteau’s restaurant. Together, they concoct a plan to make Remy’s dreams of becoming a renowned chef come true.

From Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, starring Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti, Rex Everhart
Rated G

Beauty and the Beast is the 1991 animated musical fantasy film by Disney. It is the 30th Disney animated feature film, and was the first animated film to ever receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. The story focuses on Belle, a young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in its castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast's ugly exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film follows their adventure as they attempt to break the spell placed upon the Beast and restore the castle and its inhabitants back to their former glory. The film features the hit song "Beauty and the Beast", which became the first animated feature film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. With an all-star cast of voice actors, including Robby Benson, Paige O'Hara, Richard White, and Angela Lansbury, Beauty and the Beast has become an iconic classic that is beloved by fans of all ages.

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman
Rated G

Aladdin is a 1992 American animated musical fantasy adventure film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film is the 31st Disney animated feature film and is loosely based on the Arabic folktale of the same name from One Thousand and One Nights. The film follows Aladdin, an Arabian street urchin, who finds a magical lamp containing a Genie. He uses the Genie's powers to become a prince in order to win the heart of Princess Jasmine, the Sultan's daughter. Along the way Aladdin must defeat the evil Jafar, who plots to become Sultan himself by marrying Jasmine and gaining control of the Genie. The film features the voices of Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried, and Douglas Seale. Alan Menken, who had composed the music for The Little Mermaid (1989), wrote the score. The film was both a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1992 and one of the most successful films ever released by Disney.

From Brad Bird, starring Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee
Rated PG

The Incredibles is a 2004 computer-animated superhero film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It follows the Parrs, a family of superheroes who are forced to hide their powers and live a quiet suburban life. But when an evil genius threatens to destroy the world, Mr. Incredible and his family must come together to save the day. With the help of their new friend Frozone, the Incredibles embark on an action-packed journey complete with non-stop adventures, awesome gadgets, and plenty of laughs.

From Henry Selick, starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Rated PG

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion animated musical fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced and conceived by Tim Burton. It tell the story of Jack Skellington, a resident from "Halloween Town" who stumbles through a portal to "Christmas Town" and decides to celebrate the holiday, with some dastardly and comical consequences. With the help of three mischievous aliens, Jack schemes to control Christmas and deliver a unique present to every child in the world. The film features the voices of Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Reubens, and Ken Page. It was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, grossing over $76 million from a budget of $18 million.

From Directors: John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, Lee Unkrich, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer
Rated G

Toy Story 2 is a 1999 American computer-animated comedy adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, and Lee Unkrich. The film is the sequel to 1995's Toy Story and features the returning voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, and R. Lee Ermey. In the film, toy cowboy Woody is abducted by a greedy toy collector, prompting Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the toys to embark on a rescue mission. Along the way, they discover that Woody was a valuable collectible belonging to a past owner and must grapple with the decision to remain with Andy or return to his original owner. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1999 and the highest-grossing sequel of all time. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Song and Best Sound Editing. Toy Story 2 also holds a 98% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

From Directors: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Ford Beebe Jr., Norman Ferguson, David Hand, Jim Handley, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Corey Burton
Rated G

Fantasia is a 1940 Disney animated film featuring eight animated segments set to classical music orchestrated by Leopold Stokowski and Philadelphia Orchestra. The movie is a blend of Disney’s animation and classical music. It follows Mickey Mouse, who stars as The Sorcerer's Apprentice, as he conducts a magical symphony of color and sound. The other segments include dinosaurs, a mystical ballet, and a mythical creature, all brought to life by the music. The movie is a beautiful combination of stunning visuals and classical music, sure to please viewers of all ages.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer
Rated PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a live-action/animated comedy-mystery film released in 1988 and directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film stars Bob Hoskins as a private investigator, Eddie Valiant, hired to investigate the possible infidelity of a cartoon character, Roger Rabbit. As the investigation progresses, Valiant finds himself pulled into a web of conspiracies and schemes involving the Toon world in Los Angeles. He must work to clear Roger's name and protect him from Judge Doom, a sinister character with a plan to wipe out Toontown. With the help of Roger and his girlfriend Jessica Rabbit, Valiant ultimately succeeds, finding the truth and uncovering the real villain.

From Directors: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard, starring Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman
Rated PG

Tangled is a 2010 American 3D computer-animated musical adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Loosely based on the German fairy tale "Rapunzel" in the collection of folk tales published by the Brothers Grimm, it is the 50th Disney animated feature film. The film tells the story of a lost, young princess with long magical hair who yearns to leave her secluded tower. Against her mother's wishes, she enlists the aid of a handsome thief to take her out into the world which she has never seen. Together, the unlikely duo embark on an adventure filled with laughter, conflict, and self-discovery. Along the way, they must outwit a bumbling chameleon, battle against a gang of thieves, and face the mysterious powers of a magical flower. Featuring the voices of Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy, Tangled was well-received by critics and audiences alike, grossing over $591 million in worldwide box office revenue.

From Rich Moore, starring John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman
Rated PG

Wreck-It Ralph is a 2012 computer-animated comedy film directed by Rich Moore and released by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Starring John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch, the story follows the titular video game character Ralph, who is tired of playing the villain in his own game. He sets off on an adventure across the arcade to prove he can be a hero and win a medal. Along the way, he meets a group of misfits and learns important lessons about friendship, self-acceptance, and being true to oneself. With its unique blend of classic arcade game references and heartfelt themes, Wreck-It Ralph is a fun and hilarious ride for both young and old.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hideaki Anno, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Miori Takimoto, Masahiko Nishimura
Rated PG-13

The Wind Rises is a 2013 animated historical drama film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, a young airplane designer in 1930s Japan who dreams of designing beautiful airplanes and longs for a better life. Despite the opposition of his family and the looming threat of war, Jiro works hard to realize his dream and creates the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, one of the most highly respected fighter planes of World War II. The film follows Jiro's journey from his childhood to adulthood and the struggles he faces along the way. It also examines his relationship with his colleague, mentor, and friend, Honjo, and his budding romance with Nahoko Satomi. Throughout the film, Jiro is portrayed as a passionate dreamer, who is determined to overcome obstacles in order to make his dreams come true.

From Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne, Roy Atwell
Rated Approved

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a 1937 Disney film based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. It tells the story of a young girl named Snow White, who is forced to flee her home after her evil stepmother, the Queen, orders her huntsman to take her into the forest and kill her. Snow White ends up in the forest and meets the seven dwarfs, who take her into their home. The Queen discovers Snow White's whereabouts and attempts to put an end to her by disguising herself as an old hag and giving Snow White a poison apple. Snow White falls into a deep sleep and can only be revived by "love's first kiss." The dwarfs fight off the Queen and Prince Charming arrives just in time to break the spell with a kiss. The two marry and live happily ever after.

From Wolfgang Reitherman, starring Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Louis Prima, Bruce Reitherman
Rated G

The Jungle Book is a 1967 animated classic directed by Wolfgang Reitherman and produced by Walt Disney Productions. The film follows a young boy named Mowgli, who was raised in the jungle by a pack of wolves. When a dangerous tiger named Shere Khan threatens his life, Mowgli must find his way back to the man-village and safety. Along the way, Mowgli meets an array of animals, including a friendly bear named Baloo and a hypnotic python named Kaa. With the help of his newfound friends and some luck, Mowgli must face his fears, defeat the ferocious Shere Khan, and ultimately find his true home.

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes
Rated G

The Little Mermaid is a 1989 animated musical fantasy film based on the Danish fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen. The film tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess, who dreams of becoming human and falling in love with the human prince, Eric. After a bargain with Ursula, a sea witch, Ariel is transformed into a human, but can only remain a human if she gets Eric to kiss her within three days. Along the way, Ariel must deal with the consequences of her actions, as well as the schemes of Ursula, who intends to rule the seas with Ariel's voice. Featuring the voices of Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, and Samuel E. Wright, the film is notable for its musical score by Alan Menken, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song ("Under the Sea") and Best Original Score. It received generally positive reviews and was a box office success, earning $84 million in the United States, becoming the third highest-grossing animated film of the 1980s. The film has been released multiple times on video and was followed by a direct-to-video sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, in 2000.

From Directors: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook, starring Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer
Rated G

Mulan is a 1998 animated musical action-comedy-drama film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. It is directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook. The film follows the story of Mulan, a young girl who disguises herself as a man so she can take her elderly father's place in the Chinese army and go to war. During her journey, she acquires help from her mischievous dragon sidekick, Mushu, a lucky cricket, and a small dragon named Cri-Kee. She ultimately proves herself to be a brave warrior and an inspiration to both her comrades and her country. Mulan is praised for its strong female main character and its positive themes of female empowerment, loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. The film was a box office success and received two Academy Award nominations, as well as two Golden Globe Award nominations.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, Tomoko Yamaguchi
Rated G

Ponyo is a magical adventure animated film from the acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows the young and curious Ponyo, who is a goldfish who longs to become a human. With the help of her friend Sosuke, a five-year-old boy, Ponyo embarks on an incredible journey full of obstacles and danger as she tries to make her dreams come true. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters and discovers the beauty of the natural world, the power of friendship, and the importance of family and community. Through the adventure, Ponyo learns more about the human condition and discovers the power of true love to overcome all obstacles.

From Hiromasa Yonebayashi, starring Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Mirai Shida, Ryûnosuke Kamiki
Rated G

The Secret World of Arrietty is an animated fantasy film based on the novel The Borrowers by Mary Norton. It tells the story of Arrietty, a tiny, 14-year-old "borrower" girl who lives with her parents in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper. When a human boy discovers their secret, Arrietty and her family are forced to choose between leaving their home or risking exposure. The film follows the family's struggle to survive and highlights the importance of friendship and courage in the face of adversity. Arrietty ultimately learns that even an ordinary life can be a special one.